arXiv subjects

C. McKenzie

Publications and source records attributed to C. McKenzie.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2005

Transport of atoms in a quantum conveyor belt

We have performed experiments using a 3D-Bose-Einstein condensate of sodium atoms in a 1D optical lattice to explore some unusual properties of band-structure. In particular, we investigate the loading of a condensate into a moving lattice and find non-intuitive behavior. We also revisit the behavior of atoms, prepared in a single quasimomentum state, in an accelerating lattice. We generalize this study to a cloud whose atoms have a large quasimomentum spread, and show that the cloud behaves differently from atoms in a single Bloch state. Finally, we compare our findings with recent experiments performed with fermions in an optical lattice.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2003

Non-adiabatic loading of a Bose-Einstein condensate into the ground state of an optical lattice

We present a scheme for rapid loading of a Bose-Einstein condensate into a single Bloch state of a weak optical lattice at a quasi-momentum of q = hbar k. Rabi cycling of a Bose condensate between momentum states is modified by a phase shift applied to the lattice. With an appropriate choice of the magnitude and timing of the phase shift, we demonstrate nearly perfect loading of the lattice ground state, the signature of which is an abrupt halt to the Rabi cycling.

cond-mat↗

arXiv2001

Photoassociation of sodium in a Bose-Einstein condensate

We report on the formation of ultra-cold Na$_2$ molecules using single-photon photoassociation of a Bose-Einstein condensate. The photoassociation rate, linewidth and light shift of the J=1, $v=135$ vibrational level of the \mterm{A}{1}{+}{u} molecular bound state have been measured. We find that the photoassociation rate constant increases linearly with intensity, even where it is predicted that many-body effects might limit the rate. Our observations are everywhere in good agreement with a two-body theory having no free parameters.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗